Enclosures for Cats

Cats enjoy being outside, but the outside world also poses significant known dangers and hazards that can harm and even kill your cat. An indoor/outdoor cat can easily be made a totally indoor cat with perseverance on your part. They may resent their confinement for a short time, but they will adjust. Many cats live their entire lives without ever setting foot on grass. The difference in their life expectancy as well as quality of life speaks for itself.

Another option is a safe outdoor enclosure. It must be carefully constructed, as you need to keep other animals OUT, as well as your cat in. Screen porches work well, too, just be sure to give the kitty some way to get back into your house if they need to.

Some of the dangers of being an outside or inside/outside cat include:

There are so many obvious benefits to keeping your cat indoors. Indoor cats are no less happy than outdoor kitties.

Ways to keep your indoor kitty content including:

Provide a window perch

Put out a bird feeder for entertainment

Scratching posts & cat trees to climb, sleep, and hide

Interactive toys (a stick with a string with something fun on the end)

Provide a safe outdoor enclosure/kennel/screen porch

Some of the reasons to build an enclosure include:

Cats love to lounge, especially in the sunshine

Cats are happier

It’s inexpensive to build

Save on costly vet bills

Save your cat’s life and health!

Happier neighbors

Your cat can fulfill his or her desire for the “outside” without the dangers of cat fights, dog attacks, attacks from raccoons or coyotes, toxins, cars, irritating your neighbors, or poisonings. Behavior problems (such as spraying or urinating) will lesson. You save on expensive vet bills.

Most importantly, by providing a happy, safe and practical environment, you are ensuring your cat has a chance to remain your loving family pet for a much longer life. And, kitty might just “get along” better!

Enclosures can be partially or fully covered; large or small; seasonal or year round; permanent or temporary. If you rent, you can plug the holes easily when you move, or maybe the landlord would want it for another renter.
Enclosures can be constructed inexpensively and can also be added to over time. The basic materials needed are 2x4s or 2x2s, and 1×2” galvanized wire or chicken wire. The frames base can be “nailed” into a cement patio, or, you can drive the long studs (nails) into a dirt floor or grass.

Some key decisions you will need to make:

Size – Big or small? You can build this to be window box size, or as large as you need! It can be a regular rectangle or an elaborately designed “room.”

Location – Where do you want the enclosure to be? You can build off an existing window, door, patio, or a “cat door” can be installed through an exterior wall to provide access.

Seasonal or year round? This will determine the type of roof and walls.

Accessibility – How will you access the enclosure? Make sure you provide a lockable outside access door. You can put shelving and tunnels for lounging and exercise – as well as an outdoor litter pan! You can also plant “kitty grass” in a pot or planter for your cat to happily chew on some greens (and not your houseplants!)

Kitty Furniture - Ramps are great for the older, less able pet. Don’t forget other kitty furniture, like a condo, a doghouse, or a tree limb for climbing or scratching!

We recommend that the enclosure has 3-4 sides and a roof. Cats have amazing climbing skills (as do some other critters) and you want to make sure that kitty stays inside where she or he is safe and the other critters, like raccoons, stay out. Really well planned enclosures can be an oasis for family and pets. Lattice walls and ceilings with lights and ceiling fans make an attractive patio room.

One builder created a 14′ x 8′ patio covered enclosure in one afternoon, spending less than $200! Another, used scraps for their outdoor enclosure! Check garage sales or Craigslist for “free” items such as carpet remnants, cabinets (which can be converted into kitty-condos), and rope and wood for scratching posts.

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Everyday I’m getting excited seeing his progress. I think it’s funny because he will hiss then I will talk to him then he meows like oops I’m sorry. He really enjoys being petted!! I was so happy to hear him purr yesterday!— Rosa, Nov 2013

Definitioner

Also known as dermatophytosis. This is not technically a “worm”, but a fungal disease of the skin and hair. Ringworm is contagious to people and other animals, particularly the young or elderly.

Leukemia

see FeLV – Feline Leukemia Virus

FIP

Feline Infectious Peritonitis, FIP, is a fatal, incurable disease caused by Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV), which is a mutation of Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FECV/FeCoV). The mutated virus has the ability to invade and grow in certain white blood cells, namely macrophages. The immune system’s response causes an intense inflammatory reaction in the containing tissues. This disease is generally fatal, but its incidence rate is roughly 1 in 5000.

Heartworm

Though less common in cats than dogs, heartworm is a large, parasitic worm that lives and reproduces inside the heart of a cat, generally in the right side of the heart and the lung. Heartworms are transported from one animal to another, through mosquitos, who carry microfilariae, which are microscopic versions of the heartworm. Heartworm can be fatal, and treatment is particular risks associated with it.